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    Home » Christmas » Christmas Treat Recipes

    Gran's Traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe

    Nov 7, 2016 · 330 Comments

    468 shares
    • 10

    Disclosure: This blog post was commissioned by The Royal Mint to promote the tradition of Stir-Up Sunday.  I was compensated for the cost of ingredients and my time, however all opinions are my own

    Today I'm getting into the mood for Christmas here on the blog with a family recipe - my Gran's traditional Christmas pudding recipe!

    Don't worry, I know it's early and I promise it won't be wall-to-wall Christmas from here until the big day, but this classic Christmas recipe needs to be shared with you in advance of Stir-Up Sunday, which falls on the last Sunday before Advent.

    Delicious traditional Christmas Pudding recipe - a family recipe passed down from from my Gran - Eats Amazing UK

    Last year, I shared a gorgeous Christmas Pudding recipe from The Royal Mint, maker of the UK’s circulating and commemorative coins, along with lots of interesting facts about Stir-Up Sunday. You can see us in action making last year's The Royal Mint Christmas pudding in our video (if it doesn't load for you, click here to watch it on YouTube.

     

    This year I'm sharing a different Christmas pudding recipe - this is our very own family recipe passed down from my Gran. Sadly my Gran is no longer with us, but my Mum has been faithfully following her recipe (with a few tiny tweaks) for as long as I can remember, and this year she passed it on to me to try.

    There's something really special about following a recipe that has been passed down like this - while I was measuring, preparing and weighing out ingredients I could almost see my Mum and my Gran going through the same lovely routine every year in preparation for a happy family Christmas, and maybe their mothers and grandmothers before them.

    Traditions tie us to those that have gone before and can be such a strong link to the past, so I think it's really important for us to pass traditions on to our children for them to pass on in their turn too.

    Delicious traditional Christmas Pudding recipe - an old family recipe passed down from from my Gran - Eats Amazing UK

    Adding a Royal Mint six pence to your Christmas pudding is another great Christmas tradition, said to bring good luck in the year ahead. Last year we received our very own six pence from the Royal Mint which allowed our family to join in with this lovely tradition.

    I hunted down the same six pence to add to our Christmas pudding mix this year too and will do the same every year in the future, passing the six pence on to one of my children when the time comes for them to make their own. Here's my family Christmas pudding recipe to go with it!

    How to make a Christmas Pudding - my Grans traditional recipe - Eats Amazing UK

    Gran's Traditional Christmas Pudding

    Ingredients (fills 2 x 1.2L pudding bowls):

    • 400g white crusty loaf
    • 90g carrots
    • 1 large cooking apple
    • 175g dates or prunes*
    • 60g almonds
    • 225g raisins
    • 225g sultanas
    • 225g currants
    • 225g suet
    • 225g soft brown sugar
    • 225g self raising flour
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
    • 1 tsp mixed spice
    • ¼ tsp ground ginger
    • ¼ tsp cinnamon
    • pinch salt
    • 3 large eggs
    • grated rind and juice ½ large lemon
    • 1 ½ tbs brandy
    • 1 ½ tbs sherry
    • ¼ pint (150 ml) strong dark ale e.g. Guinness + extra if needed
    • lard, for greasing

    Method:

    Start by preparing your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas mark 6/390°F). Roughly slice up the loaf and place the slices on a large baking tray. Pop into the oven and bake until toasted and brown all over - timings will vary according to how fresh the bread is.

    Once toasted, take the bread out of the oven and leave to cool. Once cool, weigh out the slices to 225g - you may have a little extra. Whizz up 225g of the toasted bread into bread crumbs using a food processor or blender.  Tip into a very large bowl (I used a tall sided stock pot for mixing without too much mess!).

    Prepare the carrot and cooking apple.  The original recipe called for 'minced' carrot and cooking apple, but I whizzed them up in my Vitamix until finely chopped - you could also grate them if you don't have access to a food processor. Add the minced carrot and apple to the bowl with the bread crumbs.

    Chop the dates or prunes and almonds and add them to the bowl. You could also throw them in the food processor to quickly chop them as you have it out already.

    Add the rest of the dry ingredients; raisins, sultanas, currants, suet, soft brown sugar, self raising flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, mixed spice, ground ginger, cinnamon and salt to the bowl. Stir well to combine.

    Break the eggs and add to the bowl. Zest and juice the lemon and add to the bowl. Add the brandy and sherry and stir the mixture well to combine.

    Add 150ml of the dark ale to the mixture and stir well. If the mixture is too dry or stiff, add a little more ale until the pudding mixture has a moist consistency.

    Cover the bowl and leave for 24 hours to mature. After 24 hours, it will be ready to basin up. You may need to add a little more ale at this point if the mixture is too dry, so keep some on stand by just in case.

    Before putting the mixture into basins, call the family together and ask every member of the family to stir the pudding mixture, each making a special Christmas wish for the year ahead as they do so. Add the silver six pence to the mix and stir again until hidden**.

    Once the children are out of sight, I must admit I retrieve the six pence and hide it away until Christmas rather than bake it in the pudding. I then hide it on one of the bowls to be covered by a slice of pudding when serving (see notes below!).

    Tradition of adding a silver sixpence to your Chistmas Pudding Mix - with traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe

    To prepare the basins:

    • Use 2 x 1.5L basins.
    • Grease with lard.  Place a small disc of non-stick paper at bottom of each basin.
    • Fill to approx 1 inch (2.5 cms) below the top.
    • Put a greased circle of non-stick paper (the size of the top of the basin) over the pudding.
    • Cut a large square of greaseproof paper to go over whole of the basin. Put a fold into the paper to allow room for steam to expand (see photo below).
    • Put a pudding cloth or a square of tin foil on top of this.
    • Tie round with string and then tie ends of pudding cloth, trimming greaseproof paper neatly. If you are using tin foil rather than a pudding cloth, tie a string handle to the rest of the string for ease of lifting the bowl when steaming (see photo below)

    If you prefer to use the plastic boil-able pudding basins, follow above up to bullet 5.  Then push on lid tightly and trim the greaseproof paper.

    How to make traditional Christmas pudding - covering the basins ready for steaming - Eats Amazing UK

    The puddings will now need to be steamed for 6 hours. To steam your Christmas puddings, place a trivet, upturned saucer or heat safe ramekin in the bottom of a large stock pot (to keep the pudding basin away from direct contact with the base of the pan). Fill with boiling water to about ⅛th full. Place a pudding in the stock pot and check that the water level is to around half-way up the side of the pudding basin.

    Put on the lid and steam at a gentle simmer for 6 hours.  Keep an eye on the water to make sure that the pan doesn’t boil dry and add more water from the kettle to keep it topped up if needed.

    Alternatively, you can also steam your Christmas puddings in a slow cooker - as above, keep the pudding basin away from direct contact with the base of the pan with a trivet, saucer or ramekin, fill with water to half-way up the side of the pudding basin, place the lid on tightly and steam on high for 8 hours (great for steaming overnight!).

    Or you could use the oven method to steam them; Preheat the oven to 160°C (Gas mark 3/320°F). Stand the pudding basin(s) in a deep roasting tin, fill with hot water to approx. half way up the puddings(s).  Cover the whole roasting tin with a tent of tin foil and cook for 6 hours.

    Once steamed, cool the puddings then store them in a cool dry cupboard for up to two months until needed.

    On Christmas Day, steam the pudding for a further 1 ½ hours before turning out onto a plate. Dust with icing sugar and a sprig of holly to decorate, or alternatively, splash over brandy and light before serving. Our family tradition is to turn off all the lights in the house so that we can enjoy the full effect of our fiery Christmas pudding!

    Gorgeous traditional Christmas Pudding recipe - family recipe passed down from from my Gran - Eats Amazing UK

    NOTES: *The original recipe called for dates, but due to personal preference (and a lifelong hatred of dates!) my mum always replaced them with prunes, so that's what I used too.

    We don't drink sherry and I didn't want to buy a full bottle just for this recipe, so I skipped the sherry and used double the amount of brandy instead.

    How to make a traditional Christmas pudding - my Grans recipe - Eats Amazing UK

    For more delicious and fun food ideas for the festive season, check out the Christmas Food section here on the Eats Amazing blog or pop over and follow my Christmas Pinterest boards for lots more fun ideas from around the web; Christmas, Cute Christmas Food Ideas and Healthy Christmas Food.

    What's your favourite Christmas tradition?

    Grace

    **IMPORTANT - please read: Obviously, due to size, putting a coin in a pudding might cause a risk of choking. And while we might all remember stirring a 2p or 20p piece in our puddings as children, modern knowledge of health and safety might change our thinking towards it, particularly if the coins aren’t pure silver, or have not been sterilised. As such, we recommend that you do not bake your coin into the pudding or when reheating. Instead, we recommend that coins should be placed into the pudding just prior to serving, with the slices then dished out at random to give someone the chance to find it. Alternatively, simply pop the sixpence in its pouch and hide it under one of the table settings before everyone sits down to dinner.

    If you do add anything like coins or charms to your pudding, sterilise them first in boiling water. Make sure you choose items large enough to be noticed, or wrap them tightly in a ball of tin foil, and tell everyone to look out for them. This serves two purposes: it will increase the fun, and it counts as a word to the wise, so that Christmas dinner doesn’t close with people accidentally swallowing the coin or breaking teeth!

    How to make a Christmas Pudding - my Grans traditional recipe - Eats Amazing UK
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    Gran's Traditional Christmas Pudding

    My family recipe for a traditional British Christmas pudding - this lovely recipe has been handed down the generations as a perfect Christmas tradition!
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time6 hours hrs
    Resting Time2 hours hrs 24 minutes mins
    Total Time6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: British, Christmas
    Servings: 2 puddings
    Author: Grace Hall

    Ingredients

    • 400 g white crusty loaf
    • 90 g carrots
    • 1 large cooking apple
    • 175 g dates or prunes*
    • 60 g almonds
    • 225 g raisins
    • 225 g sultanas
    • 225 g currants
    • 225 g suet
    • 225 g soft brown sugar
    • 225 g self raising flour
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
    • 1 tsp mixed spice
    • ¼ tsp ground ginger
    • ¼ tsp cinnamon
    • pinch salt
    • 3 large eggs
    • grated rind and juice ½ large lemon
    • 1 ½ tbs brandy
    • 1 ½ tbs sherry
    • ¼ pint (150 ml) strong dark ale e.g. Guinness + extra if needed
    • lard, for greasing

    Instructions

    • Start by preparing your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 200°C (Gas mark 6/390°F). Roughly slice up the loaf and place the slices on a large baking tray. Pop into the oven and bake until toasted and brown all over – timings will vary according to how fresh the bread is.
    • Once toasted, take the bread out of the oven and leave to cool. Once cool, weigh out the slices to 225g – you may have a little extra. Whizz up 225g of the toasted bread into bread crumbs using a food processor or blender. Tip into a very large bowl (I used a tall sided stock pot for mixing without too much mess!).
    • Prepare the carrot and cooking apple. The original recipe called for ‘minced’ carrot and cooking apple, but I whizzed them up in my Vitamix until finely chopped – you could also grate them if you don’t have access to a food processor. Add the minced carrot and apple to the bowl with the bread crumbs.
    • Chop the dates or prunes and almonds and add them to the bowl. You could also throw them in the food processor to quickly chop them as you have it out already.
    • Add the rest of the dry ingredients; raisins, sultanas, currants, suet, soft brown sugar, self raising flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, mixed spice, ground ginger, cinnamon and salt to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
    • Break the eggs and add to the bowl. Zest and juice the lemon and add to the bowl. Add the brandy and sherry and stir the mixture well to combine.
    • Add 150ml of the dark ale to the mixture and stir well. If the mixture is too dry or stiff, add a little more ale until the pudding mixture has a moist consistency.
    • Cover the bowl and leave for 24 hours to mature. After 24 hours, it will be ready to basin up. You may need to add a little more ale at this point if the mixture is too dry, so keep some on stand by just in case.
    • Before putting the mixture into basins, call the family together and ask every member of the family to stir the pudding mixture, each making a special Christmas wish for the year ahead as they do so. Add the silver six pence to the mix and stir again until hidden**. Once the children are out of sight, I must admit I retrieve the six pence and hide it away until Christmas rather than bake it in the pudding. I then hide it on one of the bowls to be covered by a slice of pudding when serving (see notes below!).
    • Tradition of adding a silver sixpence to your Chistmas Pudding Mix - with traditional Christmas Pudding Recipe

    To prepare the basins:

    • Use 2 x 1.5L basins. Grease with lard. Place a small disc of non-stick paper at bottom of each basin.
    • Fill with Christmas pudding mixture to approx 1 inch (2.5 cms) below the top. Put a greased circle of non-stick paper (the size of the top of the basin) over the pudding.
    • Cut a large square of greaseproof paper to go over whole of the basin. Put a fold into the paper to allow room for steam to expand (see photo). Put a pudding cloth or a square of tin foil on top of this.
    • Tie round with string and then tie ends of pudding cloth, trimming greaseproof paper neatly. If you are using tin foil rather than a pudding cloth, tie a string handle to the rest of the string for ease of lifting the bowl when steaming (see photo below)
    • If you prefer to use the plastic boil-able pudding basins, follow above up to topping with the folded paper then push on lid tightly and trim the greaseproof paper.
    • The puddings will now need to be steamed for 6 hours. To steam your Christmas puddings, place a trivet, upturned saucer or heat safe ramekin in the bottom of a large stock pot (to keep the pudding basin away from direct contact with the base of the pan). Fill with boiling water to about ⅛th full. Place a pudding in the stock pot and check that the water level is to around half-way up the side of the pudding basin.
    • Put on the lid and steam at a gentle simmer for 6 hours. Keep an eye on the water to make sure that the pan doesn’t boil dry and add more water from the kettle to keep it topped up if needed.
    • Alternatively, you can also steam your Christmas puddings in a slow cooker – as above, keep the pudding basin away from direct contact with the base of the pan with a trivet, saucer or ramekin, fill with water to half-way up the side of the pudding basin, place the lid on tightly and steam on high for 8 hours (great for steaming overnight!).
    • Or you could use the oven method to steam them; Preheat the oven to 160°C (Gas mark 3/320°F). Stand the pudding basin(s) in a deep roasting tin, fill with hot water to approx. half way up the puddings(s). Cover the whole roasting tin with a tent of tin foil and cook for 6 hours.
    • Once steamed, cool the puddings then store them in a cool dry cupboard for up to two months until needed.
    • On Christmas Day, steam the pudding for a further 1 ½ hours before turning out onto a plate. Dust with icing sugar and a sprig of holly to decorate, or alternatively, splash over brandy and light before serving. Our family tradition is to turn off all the lights in the house so that we can enjoy the full effect of our fiery Christmas pudding!

    Notes

    NOTES: *The original recipe called for dates, but due to personal preference (and a lifelong hatred of dates!) my mum always replaced them with prunes, so that’s what I used too.

    Love this recipe idea? Why not save it to Pinterest so you can easily find it again!

    Delicious traditional Christmas Pudding recipe - family recipe passed down from from my Gran - Eats Amazing UK

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kayleigh Jayne Reddish says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:22 pm

      I will have to try this for my dad hes loves christmas pudding!!!!

      Reply
    2. Steve S says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      Usual excitement in the planning and build up with the kids but the Bread Sauce is one of my highlights of the day.

      Reply
    3. Kelly Miotti says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      Sitting around listening to carols while drinking wine and playing board games as a family! Simple, classic,

      Reply
    4. Angela Moore says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      Making homemade mince pies whilst listening to Christmas carols and singing along.

      Angela

      Reply
    5. Paul Rutherford says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:27 pm

      My favourite Christmas tradition is most definitely the Turkey dinner (including going back for seconds...and thirds!) 🙂

      Reply
    6. Zoe C says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:29 pm

      One of my fave traditions is preparing the kids stocking, always make sure they have satsumas, Choc coins and a Choc santa plus some unusual toys, something my mum always did for me when I was little

      Reply
    7. Ellen Sheppard says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      Our favourite Christmas tradition is leaving cookies out for Father Christmas and carrots for Rudolph 🙂

      Reply
    8. Lorraine Tinsley says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      We get up early and go downstairs in our new Christmas pjs, we open some presents and I make shaped pancakes- reindeer mainly 🙂

      Reply
    9. Lee Ritson says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      I always have a nice breakfast with my brother every christmas morning and then exchange presents before heading out to see the parents 🙂

      Reply
    10. Jeff Lowe says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:32 pm

      Watching the Queens speech before tucking into Xmas dinner

      Reply
    11. Tracey Ryder says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:36 pm

      the whole family get new pjs on xmas eve

      Reply
    12. Fiona B says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      Making sausage rolls on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    13. Simon L says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:37 pm

      Christmas Eve carol service with all the family

      Reply
    14. Annette Brampton says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:42 pm

      Eating mince pies with nice ice cream on.

      Reply
    15. Carol Gates says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:46 pm

      We always go for a family walk after Christmas dinner, to walk off the puddng

      Reply
    16. ValB says

      November 07, 2016 at 9:48 pm

      Putting up the Xmas tree really is the start of the Xmas celebrations

      Reply
    17. Stacey Carnell says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:03 pm

      Our favourite tradition is stockings! We love filling them for each other with lots of little treats <3

      Reply
    18. Amanda Hart says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:09 pm

      Putting up the Christmas decorations with my boys, Christmas music playing and the start of eating some scrummy chocolates

      Reply
    19. Peter Hewitt says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:15 pm

      Brussels Sprouts, Chestnuts and Bacon

      Reply
    20. Jo McPherson says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      We always open a present on Christmas Eve (always new pyjamas) 🙂

      Reply
    21. Gilla Abrahams says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      Decorating the tree.

      Reply
    22. Louise A says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:35 pm

      making the Christmas cake in October and drizzling booze into it every week

      Reply
    23. Mark Johnson says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:36 pm

      bacon butiies before the present frenzy starts

      Reply
    24. Simone Bishop says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:45 pm

      Opening a small matching/ shared present on Christmas Eve, like Christmassy PJs or a board game to play. It differs every year. 🙂

      Reply
    25. John Tingay says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:54 pm

      There are a lot of Christmas traditions that I like, but nothing beats Pigs in Blankets!!!

      Reply
    26. denise houghton says

      November 07, 2016 at 10:59 pm

      roast turkey for Christmas dinner

      Reply
    27. Christine says

      November 07, 2016 at 11:02 pm

      My favourite tradition is frantically wrapping presents on Christmas eve whilst watching a tower of Christmas films!

      Reply
    28. Inga Andersen says

      November 07, 2016 at 11:14 pm

      HAving Chrostmas dinner together with all the family 🙂

      Reply
    29. Rachel P says

      November 07, 2016 at 11:17 pm

      Opening presents on Christmas morning and dinner with the family! 😀

      Reply
    30. Emma Eminoglu says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:01 am

      We aways have a christmas tree present which we are allowed to open christmas eve

      Reply
    31. Matt McAndrew says

      November 08, 2016 at 3:20 am

      Drinking myself stupid.

      Reply
    32. Tracy Nixon says

      November 08, 2016 at 5:49 am

      Leave out some treats for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve!

      Reply
    33. Heather Haigh says

      November 08, 2016 at 5:53 am

      Opening our stocking early in the morning and sharing a Christmas brekky.

      Reply
    34. Anna says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:23 am

      Christmas stockings - we all have them, even the adults

      Reply
    35. Fiona K says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:41 am

      Putting the Christmas lights on

      Reply
    36. Barbara Daniels says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:59 am

      drinking mulled wine with the neighbours on christmas eve

      Reply
    37. David Paterson says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:02 am

      Turkey dinner

      Reply
    38. val Young says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:06 am

      I love finding the old things the children made at school and hanging them on the tree , even though they are really quite tatty as the youngest is 27

      Reply
    39. caroline walliss says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:07 am

      Having a family walk along the local canal path.x

      Reply
    40. Bob Clark says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:30 am

      Enjoying champagne and little snacks on Chistmas morning with the whole family

      Reply
    41. david cavnder says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:42 am

      watching the Queens speech on Christmas afternoon

      Reply
    42. Janet Humphrey says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:04 am

      Christmas starts with putting out my husband's family church (about the size of a shoebox) which is very old, and sits in our kitchen window with a bulb inside it. Love to see the warming glow on arriving home

      Reply
    43. Nicki Evans says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:20 am

      A family walk on Christmas morning

      Reply
    44. Alison Macdonald says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:42 am

      New pj's for the kids every Christmas Eve and my DH makes his own chestnut stuffing every year - it's delish x

      Reply
    45. iain maciver says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:09 am

      Putting up the Xmas tree

      Reply
    46. Susan Ellins says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:20 am

      My favourite tradition is pulling crackers

      Reply
    47. Jane Adair says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:31 am

      Having everyone around for breakfast on Christmas morning before they all head away to enjoy their day.

      Reply
    48. michelle o'neill says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:37 am

      me and my grandaughter love tracking santa on christmas eve!

      Reply
    49. rena plumridge says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:39 am

      Putting presents on the same chair each year

      Reply
    50. Mark Matthews says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:56 am

      Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.
      And then a nap.

      Reply
    51. Marycarol says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:12 am

      Carol service at church x

      Reply
    52. Thomas buchanan says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:19 am

      Decorating the tree

      Reply
    53. aj says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:27 am

      meeting up with the family is my favourite tradition.

      Reply
    54. Jen Schofield says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:41 am

      Stocking and Dad carving the turkey always

      Reply
    55. Christine Caple says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:46 am

      We always play board games on Christmas afternoon

      Reply
    56. greig spencer says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:57 am

      having new pj's on xmas eve and having stockings at the end of the bed to

      Reply
    57. Sheila Shepheard says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      My favourite tradition is leaving milk and mince pies for Santa on Christmas Eve.......love the kids' faces in the morning when there's only crumbs left.

      Reply
    58. Charlotte Burford says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:21 pm

      Going to the garden centre I went to as a kid and picking out a new tree decoration with the family

      Reply
    59. Andrew reed says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      Having all the family round and the mother in law cooking dinner

      Reply
    60. Claire Nutman says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      Leaving Santa his milk and cookies with the children on christmas eve bedtime, so cute x

      Reply
    61. Tony Metcalfe says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      Leaving some snacks out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

      Reply
    62. Allan Wilson says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Attending the Carols in the town square on Christmas Eve.

      Reply
    63. A S,Edinburgh says

      November 08, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      I still love sending cards to people who are happy to receive them.

      Reply
    64. Vicky Varley says

      November 08, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      Our chilled out day on christmas eve, enjoying the magic and excitement of christmas with my son!

      Reply
    65. suan watts says

      November 08, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      Sending "Dad" downstairs to see if Father Christmas has been, then if he has we can all go downstairs.

      Reply
    66. Caroline H says

      November 08, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      My favourite tradition is going out to pick the Christmas tree. We always make an occasion of it and try and get the perfect one before hitting our favourite restaurant for some dinner then home to decorate.

      Reply
    67. Carolynn Woodland says

      November 08, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      Kissing under the mistletoe!

      Reply
    68. hannah Igoe says

      November 08, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      I love getting a new decoration each year to hang on the tree and we do the same for our kids!

      Reply
    69. Bev says

      November 08, 2016 at 2:04 pm

      Mulled wine and national Lampoon's Christmas vacation

      Reply
    70. Rebecca Lis says

      November 08, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      Elf on the shelf

      Reply
    71. KATHY D says

      November 08, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      on Christmas Eve our local churches get together and we have the Nativity play by candlelight. There is a real donkey and baby Jesus and it is so popular they had to have 5 sessions last year. it is a joy to attend

      Reply
    72. Jane Willis says

      November 08, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      serving "reindeer poo" (chestnut stuffing balls) with Christmas dinner

      Reply
    73. Ray Becker says

      November 08, 2016 at 2:52 pm

      Leaving a glass of brandy out

      Reply
    74. natalie wallace says

      November 08, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      Having drinks and watching christmas tv with the family on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    75. lucy higgins says

      November 08, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      we like to open our gifts in the afternoon are christmas lunch

      Reply
    76. William Gould says

      November 08, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      Having Bucks Fizz for Christmas Day breakfast! 😀

      Reply
    77. Susan Crosswaite says

      November 08, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      My favourite Christmas tradition is decorating the tree - with Handel's Messiah playing in the background

      Reply
    78. Henry Little says

      November 08, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      this takes me back to childhood Christmas, we always had sixpences in our pudding, but probably not allowed today, H&E!!

      Reply
    79. Laura Nice says

      November 08, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      Big family walk after Christmas dinner

      Reply
    80. Barbara Handley says

      November 08, 2016 at 4:33 pm

      Opening the presents with all my grandchildren.

      Reply
    81. Robyn Hawkins says

      November 08, 2016 at 4:46 pm

      My sister and I used to take it in turns each year to go into each others room on Christmas morning with our stockings and open our presents in bed before we went to wake up Mum and Dad. I still can't get up now in the morning without opening all my stocking presents now and can't wait until we have children ourselves so they can come into our bed in the morning and open their stocking presents! 🙂

      Reply
    82. laura stewart says

      November 08, 2016 at 4:53 pm

      opening presents 🙂

      Reply
    83. Paula Barker says

      November 08, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      Spending a day decorating the house, listening to Christmas songs, then have a takeaway for tea.

      Reply
    84. Danielle Pooley says

      November 08, 2016 at 5:23 pm

      Playing monopoly after Xmas dinner lunch

      Reply
    85. Julie Wilson says

      November 08, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      My mum decorating her house with every decoration she can find a place for and playing Christmas carols and songs.

      Reply
    86. Claire D says

      November 08, 2016 at 5:56 pm

      Santa hat sunday where we all go out in santa hats the sunday before Xmas

      Reply
    87. Judith Allen says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:23 pm

      I really enjoyed the Christmas morning dog walk, happy dogs with their new squeaky toys, happy owners wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
      Thanks for that recipe, my mum has always put loads of candied peel in hers, and I can't stand it.

      Reply
    88. Mark R says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:26 pm

      Decorating the tree and remembering where or who the various ornaments came from

      Reply
    89. Rachel Craig says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:38 pm

      Spending time with family and friends, sharing a meal and exchanging gifts :- Expressing Goodwill.

      Reply
    90. Rachel Smethurst Newport says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:50 pm

      We always have a special breakfast before church - mincemeat croissants. Then church, then home and lunch, then finally presents in the afternoon.
      I love the whole thing, but the croissants are my favourite because that's just our little family thing before everyone else arrives.

      Reply
    91. leighanne palfrey says

      November 08, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      decorating the tree 🙂

      Reply
    92. Cassandra Jameson says

      November 08, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      Our big family party on Christmas eve before everyone goes their separate ways to spend Christmas day with their little ones 🙂

      Reply
    93. Joanna Ford says

      November 08, 2016 at 7:19 pm

      We always sing carols in our village around the local Christmas tree.

      Reply
    94. Soph H says

      November 08, 2016 at 7:27 pm

      The whole family together for a roast turkey dinner 🙂

      Reply
    95. Lorraine k says

      November 08, 2016 at 7:30 pm

      I love to read 'twas the night before Christmas' to get us in to the Christmas spirit

      Reply
    96. Hazel Rea says

      November 08, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      We have our first full Christmas meal on Christmas Eve by candlelight. We started doing this when the children were small so I could enjoy Christmas morning without worrying about the turkey but we enjoy it so much we still do it. There's still such an air of anticipation when we all sit down.

      Reply
    97. Laura K says

      November 08, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      My favourite Christmas tradition is finding the presents under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.

      Reply
    98. Beky Austerberry says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:06 pm

      leaving the milk, mince pie and carrot for rudolf and santa - although at 15 & 12 my kids arn't bothered now!

      Reply
    99. Gemma Shonfeld says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      Finishing work on xmas eve and heading home to chill out for the evening with party food and pjs

      Reply
    100. Jackie Allum says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:25 pm

      Open all my presents in bed just as I did when I was little. Then have ferrero rocher for breakfast...

      Reply
    101. Katherine Teff says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:27 pm

      A few years ago a friend gave the children an Advent Activity book- some nights colouring, some nights a game, some nights jokes, one day to write christmas cards etc. The children had a wonderful time doing the activities and I looked for one the year after, but couldn't find one. I decided that I would make my own Advent Activities and this is now a great build up to Christmas. When the order comes from the Advent Activities folder, even Christmas Card writing is acceptable!

      Reply
    102. Jemma Taylor says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:32 pm

      Buck's Fizz and bacon butties in the morning.

      Reply
    103. stephanie Llewellyn says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:48 pm

      stirring in the sixpence to the Christmas pudding

      Reply
    104. Nancy Bradford says

      November 08, 2016 at 8:50 pm

      I love putting milk and cookies out for Santa and (as a parent) sneaking down and putting the presents under the tree and basically getting to be Santa for one night 🙂

      Reply
    105. Anita Hargreaves says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:00 pm

      FAMILY board games, we are all competitive so great fun, win or lose x

      Reply
    106. claire woods says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:05 pm

      Pulling crackers. My son insists on having them, reading the jokes and wearing the hats.

      Reply
    107. sharon stanley says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      cuddling up with all three kids and my fiance to watch The Polar Express then setting a Santa trap with flower so that they think Santa has been in the morning.

      Reply
    108. renae says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:23 pm

      We put our christmas tree up the first weekend in December - I look forward to it all year

      Reply
    109. KARL BOROWY says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      turkey eating

      Reply
    110. Steve Davies says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:28 pm

      After losing my Mother , it will be my honour to carry on the tradition of cooking Christmas dinner for my Dad. Hope I can master the gravy recipe. She made it look easy, powered on vodka snowballs, I'll try my best Mam.

      Reply
    111. Catherine says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:38 pm

      Playing board games after dinner

      Reply
    112. Adrian Crook says

      November 08, 2016 at 9:54 pm

      We all have to wear Christmas jumpers for Christmas day dinner

      Reply
    113. LISA TEBBTT says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:06 pm

      WHEN MAKING THE CHRISTMAS CAKE EVERYONE HAVE A TURN TO STIR THE CAKE MIX

      Reply
    114. Dave C says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:08 pm

      Silly games after the dinner and too much wine!

      Reply
    115. Louise Paton says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:33 pm

      Decorating the Christmas tree!!

      Reply
    116. Maria P says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:36 pm

      I love family Christmas dinner

      Reply
    117. Kevin Honey says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      A bucks Fizz toast while the turnkey is cooking

      Reply
    118. Mary Baldwin says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:48 pm

      Going to the Christingle service on Christmas Eve - calms me down and makes me realise what Christmas is all about, especially with the little ones performing their play

      Reply
    119. David Page says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:48 pm

      Christmas cake and mince pies

      Reply
    120. Emma Ferguson says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:51 pm

      The family Christmas dinner, eating, drinking and having fun

      Reply
    121. Donna Gilligan says

      November 08, 2016 at 10:52 pm

      We go to the crib service on Christmas Eve then come home to have hot chocolate with marshmallows, and watch a movie in new fluffy PJ's, a bit of calm before all the madness of the few days which follow.

      Reply
    122. Simon C says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:21 pm

      Favourite Christmas tradition? It's gotta be the corny jokes in the crackers. Hahaha!

      Reply
    123. Rebecca Beesley says

      November 08, 2016 at 11:34 pm

      watching Christmas Doctor Who together! (hope there is one this year as haven't seen anything about it yet)

      Reply
    124. Alison Johnson says

      November 09, 2016 at 12:48 am

      Putting up the Christmas decorations as a family.

      Reply
    125. Simon Wade says

      November 09, 2016 at 12:56 am

      Christmas dinner! So many different meats to eat! Yummy, tummy rumbling just thinking about it.

      Reply
    126. Ellie Wood says

      November 09, 2016 at 12:56 am

      Making a bouche noel with my nephew on christmas eve, before putting on fresh pjs!

      Reply
    127. Solange says

      November 09, 2016 at 3:41 am

      Opening one present each after we arrive back from Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

      Reply
    128. Rebecca Howells (@PeanutHog) says

      November 09, 2016 at 7:07 am

      The day the Christmas tree goes up and comes down.

      Reply
    129. stephanie says

      November 09, 2016 at 9:33 am

      amazing prize

      Reply
    130. clair downham says

      November 09, 2016 at 9:43 am

      getting ready for father christmas coming

      Reply
    131. charlotte says

      November 09, 2016 at 10:02 am

      sherry trifle! its the only time of year we have it!

      Reply
    132. helen tovell says

      November 09, 2016 at 10:12 am

      Going to the Christngle service at the local church

      Reply
    133. Ruth Harwood says

      November 09, 2016 at 10:32 am

      Christmas Dinner xx

      Reply
    134. lisa dolatowski says

      November 09, 2016 at 11:20 am

      Getting the mistletoe out on front door, gate, hats etc

      Reply
    135. Tricia Cowell says

      November 09, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      I love the opening of presents on Christmas morning

      Reply
    136. Michelle lyon says

      November 09, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      I love christad eve. We have our christad eve boxes filled with goodies an traditions including reindeer food to be sprinkled. A christmas dvd. New pjs. Hot chocolate. Love the kids being all exited

      Reply
    137. Nigel Rummey says

      November 09, 2016 at 2:22 pm

      Decorating the Christmas tree

      Reply
    138. James Harris says

      November 09, 2016 at 3:47 pm

      My favourite Christmas tradition is playing board and card games in the evening with my family, whilst eating and drinking even more!

      Reply
    139. carole n says

      November 09, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      relaxing over Christmas with all the family

      Reply
    140. bella smyth says

      November 09, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      apart from spending it with the family its also my b/day on xmas day

      Reply
    141. Tamsin Dean says

      November 09, 2016 at 4:33 pm

      love putting out the stockings

      Reply
    142. Jess Powell (Babi a Fi) says

      November 09, 2016 at 4:44 pm

      I love decorating the tree, it's always such fun.

      Reply
    143. Angie McDonald says

      November 09, 2016 at 5:52 pm

      I love drinking a glass of Baileys and watching Love Actually on Christmas Eve!

      Reply
    144. Sarah Wilson says

      November 09, 2016 at 5:57 pm

      Going as a family to the carol service at the Cathedral, and all of us (trying!) singing along!

      Reply
    145. yvonne cooke says

      November 09, 2016 at 6:39 pm

      Our christmas tradition is, as soon as dinner is finished, we get into our christmas jammies on and watch christmas movies.x Merry Christmas x

      Reply
    146. Jo Carroll says

      November 09, 2016 at 7:25 pm

      I love all the traditions involved around the main Christmas family meal. x

      Reply
    147. Jodie W says

      November 09, 2016 at 7:45 pm

      Ah this article has reminded me of the tradition when I lived at home and my mum would call my brother and I to the kitchen to stir the christmas pudding 3 times and make a wish each. I had forgotten about that,

      Reply
    148. Laura Pritchard says

      November 09, 2016 at 7:55 pm

      Playing games on Christmas Eve.

      Reply
    149. S Bufton says

      November 09, 2016 at 8:13 pm

      Baking mince pies with my family.

      Reply
    150. Ellie Smith says

      November 09, 2016 at 9:01 pm

      Spoiling all my loved ones

      Reply
    151. Sharon Burroughs says

      November 09, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      We always have a prawn cocktail starter.

      Reply
    152. Francesca Jones says

      November 09, 2016 at 9:22 pm

      My first snowball cocktail whilst snuggling on the sofa watching a Christmas film.

      Reply
    153. MANDY DOHERTY says

      November 09, 2016 at 9:50 pm

      Decorating the Xmas tree with my grandchildren

      Reply
    154. Naomi Buchan says

      November 09, 2016 at 10:42 pm

      Putting up the tree on Dec 1st x

      Reply
    155. Krzysia says

      November 10, 2016 at 9:46 am

      Putting up the tree and decorations. I start really early (1st December) as I have three floors to decorate!

      Reply
    156. Victoria Prince says

      November 10, 2016 at 10:57 am

      My favourite Christmas tradition is going out on Christmas Eve to see the lights, eat something festive and pick up those last bits and pieces 🙂

      Reply
    157. CAT CULMER says

      November 10, 2016 at 11:14 am

      brand new pjs for the whole family on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    158. Emily Hutchinson says

      November 10, 2016 at 12:36 pm

      Putting up the tree - it's so magical

      Reply
    159. JULIE WARD says

      November 10, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      Grandchildren opening their prezzys then xmas dinner made by my son, I don't have to wash up after either

      Reply
    160. Malcolm Thompson says

      November 10, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      Pork pie and bread and butter for Christmas Breakfast.

      Reply
    161. terri jenner says

      November 10, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      putting up the tree with my family on my December birthday weekend and staying in out pj's all day

      Reply
    162. Angela Kelly says

      November 10, 2016 at 4:40 pm

      I love putting a treat out for Santa and Rudolph.

      Reply
    163. Keith Hunt says

      November 10, 2016 at 5:07 pm

      The Yule Lads that is part of christmas in Iceland

      Reply
    164. Gillian Holmes says

      November 10, 2016 at 5:15 pm

      Making homemade mince pies

      Reply
    165. Jayne K says

      November 10, 2016 at 5:53 pm

      Overeating & avoiding the washing up. 😉

      Reply
    166. Amy Warwick says

      November 10, 2016 at 6:10 pm

      Christmas dinner !

      Reply
    167. michelle speight says

      November 10, 2016 at 6:44 pm

      the traditionl board games

      Reply
    168. Dale Dow says

      November 10, 2016 at 6:55 pm

      bacon rolls at my Mums on Christmas morning

      Reply
    169. Sheri Darby says

      November 10, 2016 at 7:01 pm

      A Chinese take away on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    170. AnnaH says

      November 10, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      Hanging stockings by the fire on Christmas Eve ... and leaving mince pies and a bottle of real ale for Santa

      Reply
    171. Jayne agg says

      November 10, 2016 at 7:56 pm

      I love my family around me and sharing the joy and Laughter with my grandchildren at Christmas.

      Reply
    172. leanne weir says

      November 10, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      Christmas dinner with the trimmings

      Reply
    173. janine atkin says

      November 10, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      we all wear new pyjamas on xmas eve and watch a xmas film

      Reply
    174. Cheryl says

      November 10, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Watching The Polar Express after eating our lovely Christmas dinner.

      Reply
    175. Debra Shanahan says

      November 10, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      a glass of milk for santa, and a carrot for rudolph...

      Reply
    176. Kat Allinson says

      November 10, 2016 at 8:52 pm

      Making the Christmas cake and puddings with my children and husband, all having a stir and licking the bowls 🙂

      Reply
    177. Geoff Hibbert says

      November 10, 2016 at 9:03 pm

      Carol singing

      Reply
    178. Rachel Harding says

      November 10, 2016 at 9:06 pm

      Our family always play The Chocolate Game on Christmas Day. It involves a tray and a dice. You have to throw a six to take your turn, which is to put on a hat, scarf and gloves and then cut up the chocolate bar with a knife and fork and eat as much as you can before the next person throws a six. It's hilarious!

      Reply
    179. Caoimhe says

      November 10, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      My favourite Christmas tradition is Christmas night where we all get cosy in our pyjamas and discuss how fortunate we are to have the people that we do in our lives. 🙂 Then we stuff our faces with chocolate and sweets until we can't breathe and watch a few Christmas movies.

      Reply
    180. Anni says

      November 10, 2016 at 10:11 pm

      This looks lovely! This year, we are planning more home-family activities and fewer running-around-crazy events. My girls would probably love this activity! One of our favorite activities already is making gingerbread cookies.

      Reply
    181. Marie Rule says

      November 10, 2016 at 10:27 pm

      Just spending time with family

      Reply
    182. Jules Eley says

      November 10, 2016 at 10:28 pm

      Sprouts I love them 🙂

      Reply
    183. Hekna says

      November 10, 2016 at 11:24 pm

      I love Christmas stockings. It's something I've introduced to our family from my childhood and I love finding lots of lovely bits to go in them.

      Reply
    184. Adrian Bold says

      November 11, 2016 at 3:07 am

      We leave an Annual at the end of the kids beds each year from Santa. Gives us a few extra minutes in bed 🙂

      Reply
    185. Tom Morrison says

      November 11, 2016 at 4:14 am

      We still make our own Christmas Pudding and everyone has a stir of the mixture for good luck!

      Reply
    186. Ann Skamarauskas says

      November 11, 2016 at 6:15 am

      making the hot Christmas punch on Christmas morning for when all the family arrive

      Reply
    187. Erica Price says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:27 am

      We used to do this when I was little - even after decimalisation there was the odd sixpence in circulation still and they were worth 2.5p. I think once they weren't easily available any more that tradition died out.

      Reply
    188. Gemma Found says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:31 am

      Decorating the Christmas Tree whilst listening to Christmas Music.

      Reply
    189. Susan Hoggett says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:36 am

      all the family opening their presents in front of the fire on xmas morning

      Reply
    190. Leslie Evans says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:38 am

      Thick, Cold Turkey Sandwich for breakfast on Boxing Day.

      Reply
    191. Christine Hobbs says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:49 am

      My favourite Christmas tradition is all gathering on my bed and opening our stockings. We eat chocolate before breakfast and have a glassof Bucks fizz in the bed. Its a bit of a squash but the best bit of the day xx

      Reply
    192. Daphne Monk says

      November 11, 2016 at 8:01 am

      Getting up early to put the oven on, and jumping back into bed with a cup of tea to open the stockings

      Reply
    193. karen watt says

      November 11, 2016 at 8:29 am

      Preparing the table the night before and a takeaway

      Reply
    194. Dawn Underwood says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:53 am

      Charades

      Reply
    195. Christina Palmer says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:02 am

      Wearing christmas hats around the table and telling the corny jokes from the christmas crackers

      Reply
    196. Kyomi Johnson says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:10 am

      New pjs and a film on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    197. LEE HARDY says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:35 am

      Getting up early with daughter to open presents

      Reply
    198. Kelly Ellen Hirst says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:36 am

      Making mince pies for Santa on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    199. lara latchem says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:36 am

      making chestnut and sausage meat stuffing. love doing this with my mum

      Reply
    200. lynda connolly says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:47 am

      we have just started a new tradition which is wearing christmas jumpers the sillier the better

      Reply
    201. Mark Rayner says

      November 11, 2016 at 11:10 am

      The kids getting PJ's from Mrs Christmas on Christmas Eve.

      Reply
    202. sue mcdermott says

      November 11, 2016 at 11:30 am

      mince pies & sherry for santa

      Reply
    203. Beverley Cousins says

      November 11, 2016 at 11:38 am

      My favourite Christmas tradition is most definitely the Turkey dinner

      Reply
    204. Stevie says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:17 pm

      I like to see how excited my nieces become. The magic of santa is still real to them.

      Reply
    205. Alison MacDonald says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      Listening to Christmas Carols with a glass of wine on Christmas Eve xx

      Reply
    206. Susan B says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      Buying a fresh pine tree, decorating it and coming home in the evening to that gorgeous pine fragrance and sparkling lights. Lovely.

      Reply
    207. Andy Berry says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:41 pm

      Watching Die Hard!!!! Excellent festive film for action fans!

      Reply
    208. steve cooper says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:42 pm

      Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.

      Reply
    209. joy buckenham says

      November 11, 2016 at 12:55 pm

      wow this takes me back to my child hood

      Reply
    210. Karen R says

      November 11, 2016 at 1:12 pm

      We open our presents on Christmas Eve with hubby with a Santa hat bringing the presents through, and us all opening our presents together and letting each other see what we've received. I find this so much nicer than having the kids opening them at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning!

      Reply
    211. Stuart Dunlop says

      November 11, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      As a family, after the kids have had their gifts, we get together after Christmas Dinner, and open all the adult gifts.

      Reply
    212. Lynn Hughes says

      November 11, 2016 at 2:08 pm

      Making a Christmas Cake.

      Reply
    213. Amy Jo McLellan says

      November 11, 2016 at 2:14 pm

      Watching It's A Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve 🙂

      Reply
    214. Michelle Wild says

      November 11, 2016 at 2:33 pm

      Watching James Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life.

      Reply
    215. Penny Ford says

      November 11, 2016 at 2:52 pm

      Midnight Mass

      Reply
    216. Dianne Brewin says

      November 11, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      Buzz fizz and pain au chocolat and croissants on Christmas Morning whilst watching the children open their presents.

      Reply
    217. rebecca scott says

      November 11, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      we have a buffet on christmas eve

      Reply
    218. tracy sinclair says

      November 11, 2016 at 3:52 pm

      Playing board games after our christmas dinner, then watching a christmas film together x

      Reply
    219. Wendy Guy says

      November 11, 2016 at 4:05 pm

      Having a Christmas stocking hanging on the bed knob on Christmas morning.

      Reply
    220. sb says

      November 11, 2016 at 4:35 pm

      let our daughter choose what we have for dinner,as its her birthday

      Reply
    221. Allan Fullarton says

      November 11, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      Watching the Queens speech before having a lovely xmas lunch.

      Reply
    222. Michaela Smith says

      November 11, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Bucks fizz on Christmas morning 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Reply
    223. lynn neal says

      November 11, 2016 at 5:30 pm

      New cosy pyjamas on Christmas Eve!

      Reply
    224. EJ Dunn says

      November 11, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      We still put out a carrot for reindeer, sherry and choccies for Santa.

      Reply
    225. Aaron Milne says

      November 11, 2016 at 6:39 pm

      Love parties - meeting friend old & new - with lots of eating & drinking

      Reply
    226. gemma raines says

      November 11, 2016 at 6:49 pm

      Ours is a board game followed by a movie after weve all had a yummy dinner

      Reply
    227. Lynsey Buchanan says

      November 11, 2016 at 6:53 pm

      We always go and see a pantomime on Christmas Eve.

      Reply
    228. christine WESTLAKE says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:17 pm

      making my christmas puddings with a family recipe passed down through several generations

      Reply
    229. sarah says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      putting up the tree with our family

      Reply
    230. Emma says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      Eating mum's homemade Xmas pudding.

      Reply
    231. Monika Bascombe says

      November 11, 2016 at 8:02 pm

      Cristmas carols and going to a midnight mass

      Reply
    232. Joanna Sawka says

      November 11, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      opening presents on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    233. Lisa Wilkinson says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:08 pm

      Taking my little girl to see Santa

      Reply
    234. Stev Rigby says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      My favourite Christmas tradition is to wait until after the queens speech before opening our presents.

      Reply
    235. Kristy Brown says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:30 pm

      I like that we all pile into one bed to open our stockings!

      Reply
    236. Kirsteen Mackay says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:36 pm

      Baking Christmas treats with my family and friends a couple of days before Christmas.

      Reply
    237. Samantha R says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:50 pm

      My favourite tradition is definitely the big dinner!

      Reply
    238. Rose Stephenson says

      November 11, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      We get a tree ornament whenever we travel and it is great each year bringing them out and remembering where we have been.

      Reply
    239. M Harvey says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:21 pm

      I actually never had christams pudding

      Reply
    240. Leanne Bell says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      New PJs all ready to go to bed in on Christmas Eve

      Reply
    241. Nick Wells-gaston says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      My favourite is christmas dinner and cold with mash and pickles on Boxing Day!!

      Reply
    242. Sally Willcock says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      Well, as a child, we always had Christmas Dinner half way through the afternoon, straight after the Queens speech - so, we've just carried it on 🙂

      Reply
    243. Stuart Osborne says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:41 pm

      We seem to have incorporated lots of mine, and my wifes 'family' traditions. So, we have more food for dinner than most - including mash and roast, apple sauce (great with turkey), cheese with Christmas cake and I could go on. Good to think really that we're carrying on these little family things that have probably been around for generations.

      Reply
    244. Jennie says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:45 pm

      putting the family presents out before our son goes to bed.

      Reply
    245. Harley says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:48 pm

      Stockings, the kids love the little bits and bobs in them more than the £100 presents downstairs

      Reply
    246. Shirley evans says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:50 pm

      My favourite Christmas custom is stirring the pudding and making a wish.

      Reply
    247. Christopher Read says

      November 11, 2016 at 10:54 pm

      Chocolate tree decorations!

      Reply
    248. Maureen says

      November 11, 2016 at 11:20 pm

      Choosing the Christmas tree

      Reply
    249. Monica Gilbert says

      November 11, 2016 at 11:51 pm

      All going downstairs together Christmas morning. The adults enter the room first in order to light the tree and see the children's reactions.

      Reply
    250. claire little says

      November 11, 2016 at 11:54 pm

      pulling crackers

      Reply
    251. Jess Faulkner says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:00 am

      Christimas dinner with the whole family, wearing the hats from the crackers all throughout!

      Reply
    252. Su Brett says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:09 am

      Decorating the tree

      Reply
    253. Kerry Webber says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:10 am

      Even though it's not very Christmasy, we always have steak and chips on Christmas Eve!

      Reply
    254. Jamie C Millard says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:28 am

      christmas eve movie night.

      Reply
    255. Robyn Clarke says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:33 am

      Ours is a fairly new tradition, we go for a drive on Christmas eve and look at the Christmas lights then back home to feed the reindeers.

      Reply
    256. Lydia Graham says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:41 am

      Watching A Christmas Carol while putting out the milk and mince pie for Santa and carrot for Rudolph

      Reply
    257. Verity Evans says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:58 am

      No joke, one of our traditions is my mum wraps my presents for me (apart from hers). I'm 26 and I have no idea why she wants to do it, and I actually enjoy wrapping, but who am I to stop her!

      Reply
    258. alice lightning says

      November 12, 2016 at 2:41 am

      always full English on Christmas day followed by opening of presents and of course always turkey with all the trimmings tradition in our home love Christmas so special memories are made

      Reply
    259. steph lovatt says

      November 12, 2016 at 7:32 am

      Tracking Santa and putting out reindeer food so he can find our house

      Reply
    260. Jill Fairbanks says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:02 am

      We always put on a Christmas film and put out the tipple and mince pie and carrot for Santa

      Reply
    261. emma jordan says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:04 am

      Going for a long Xmas eve walk!

      Reply
    262. cathyj says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:07 am

      spending time with my loved ones

      Reply
    263. Lucy Chester says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:22 am

      On Christmas Eve we always have a little family party, watch a Christmas film and open one present each.

      Reply
    264. Kirsty Woods says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:16 am

      Hanging the Christmas stockings

      Reply
    265. Amanda Davis says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Christmas dinner with the whole family

      Reply
    266. Sally Henry says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:47 am

      My favourrite tradition is going to the Christingle carol concert at my local church on Christmas eve; singing carols by candlelight is magical and the air is alive with excitement and anticipation - this is when Christmas really starts for me.

      Reply
    267. Dawn Chapman says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:48 am

      We open one present each on Christmas Eve!

      Reply
    268. Amy Lambert says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:58 am

      Putting flour round my partners foot prints to make it look like santas walked through our living room

      Reply
    269. kellyjo walters says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:42 am

      We started a new tradition around 5 years ago.. every Xmas eve I go to Harrods and buy a big buffet of seafood for a slap up meal that evening ... we don't have ids or family to worry about so just us 2 so it's our treat

      Reply
    270. Victoria Thurgood says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:55 am

      letting all the kids decorate the Tree

      Reply
    271. adrian price says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:55 am

      FATHER CHRISTMAS VISITING

      Reply
    272. Kim Styles says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:58 am

      we all eat a mince pie each day over the twelve day of Christmas - it brings good luck for the year ahead

      Reply
    273. jackie rushton says

      November 12, 2016 at 11:25 am

      Watching the Queen's speech with my family!

      Reply
    274. Amanda Norwood says

      November 12, 2016 at 11:34 am

      Eating Christmas pudding after the Queen's speech

      Reply
    275. frances hopkins says

      November 12, 2016 at 11:57 am

      Trying to get some bargains on Xmas Eve

      Reply
    276. Claire Davey says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      every year we have a box that is opened on xmas eve and boxing day consists of left over xmas dinner as bubble and squeak

      Reply
    277. Julie Camm says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      Making my Christmas table as blingy as possible....

      Reply
    278. paula cheadle says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:26 pm

      K make my own mince pies with my own recipe for the mince, was my Nan's recipe

      Reply
    279. George Wright says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      Christmas Eve hot chocolates with a Christmas film in our new pyjamas!

      Reply
    280. Victoria B says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      Christmas dinner always at 1pm and my Gran always used to get us a box of Quality Streets

      Reply
    281. Tracey F says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:39 pm

      Opening a couple of presents after the ids have gone to bed!

      Reply
    282. Alisa Moore says

      November 12, 2016 at 12:49 pm

      Making eggnog

      Reply
    283. aga says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:01 pm

      MAKING GINGERBREAD COOKIES TOGETHER

      Reply
    284. Angela Sandhu says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      We have our own tradition of sleeping in front of the tv on Christmas Eve and watch Christmas movies and eat chocolate and oranges

      Reply
    285. lucy knight says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:23 pm

      The best xmas tradition in our house is boxing day when we have a day in our pjs,kids playing with toys n presents watching xmas tv and chilling out then boxing day tea of cold meats,bubble n squeak etc.just family time the best

      Reply
    286. Gillian Turner says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      We each get to open one present just after midnight, then it is off to bed so Santa can do his job.

      Reply
    287. Carol Boffey says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      Christmas dinner with the family

      Reply
    288. Joanne Austin says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:47 pm

      My son always puts the star on top of the Christmas tree

      Reply
    289. jennifer bolognesi says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:51 pm

      Home made Cappelletti in chicken broth. A complete faff to make up at the crack of dawn to make the pasta try to find the space to hang it all. Make the filling and the broth, making the hundreds of cappelletti, getting finger ache and blinded by endless rows of the little pasta hats.
      However when it comes to eating them probably the most divine taste I'll have all year and so worth it

      Reply
    290. Jane Skarratt says

      November 12, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      Annual Carol Service

      Reply
    291. natalee gosiewski says

      November 12, 2016 at 2:17 pm

      every year both of my children buy one new ornament each for the tree our Christmas is full of mish mash decorations bright and funky my kids are 9 8 and 3 so we always have fun talking about the memories of the years before ok our tree is not colour coordinated but its full of tradition and happy memories

      Reply
    292. Karen Dixon says

      November 12, 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Getting to open one present on xmas eve before going to bed.

      Reply
    293. Cathy O says

      November 12, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      Having all the family around and a big roast dinner then opening the presents later.

      Reply
    294. sonny richardson says

      November 12, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      taking time to chill out with family and over indulging on food that are off limits!

      Reply
    295. Karen Scott says

      November 12, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      Advent Calenders....the excitement before the event is the best 🙂

      Reply
    296. Laura Harrison says

      November 12, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      Christmas lunch with the family and then opening the presents from under the tree xx

      Reply
    297. Heather Tinkler says

      November 12, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      Lighting the Christmas pud and singing we wish you a merry Christmas until it goes out

      Reply
    298. Pauline Burroughs says

      November 12, 2016 at 4:45 pm

      It wouldn't be Christmas without the roast turkey dinner complete with roast potatoes, brussel sprouts and bread sauce. Followed, of course, with Christmas pud! My mouth's watering just thinking about it x

      Reply
    299. Matt Froggatt says

      November 12, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      One present each on christmas eve

      Reply
    300. Natalie Gillham says

      November 12, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Christmas Dinner x

      Reply
    301. Herbert Appleby says

      November 12, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      Christmas dinner

      Reply
    302. Deborah Mackenzie says

      November 12, 2016 at 5:29 pm

      Being together as a family; and I love gifting so everyone gets spoilt

      Reply
    303. Natalie Crossan says

      November 12, 2016 at 5:57 pm

      The unbelievable christmas dinner my Mum does x

      Reply
    304. Hayley Todd says

      November 12, 2016 at 6:01 pm

      We have lots of little Christmas traditions! It starts at the beginning of December with us putting up our Christmas tree, we make our Christmas cake together and always bake a gingerbread house and decorate it on the first weekend of December. We always go to visit Santa and have breakfast with Santa every Christmas Eve at our local garden centre. Our Christmas Eve evening tradition is to put on our brand new special Christmas PJ's and all of us snuggle on the sofa under a lovely warm blanket and watch Miracle on 34th Street.

      Reply
    305. Suzanne Brown says

      November 12, 2016 at 6:39 pm

      Advent calendars! The start of all the beautiful Christmas traditions.

      Reply
    306. Clare Tate says

      November 12, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      having a very yummy Christmas dinner with all my family, then playing board games with my kids

      Reply
    307. kellie herridge says

      November 12, 2016 at 6:45 pm

      letting the kids decorate the tree.

      Reply
    308. Emma Nixon says

      November 12, 2016 at 7:10 pm

      Spending time decorating the christmas cake with family

      Reply
    309. Anna Brown says

      November 12, 2016 at 7:40 pm

      I love our Christmas tradition of having family round for dinner and playing games in the afternoon.

      Reply
    310. Rebecca Smith says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:00 pm

      watching the queens speech

      Reply
    311. LORNA WIL says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:18 pm

      my home made Christmas cake.

      Reply
    312. ellie spider says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:19 pm

      we have a family tradition of getting a 'junk' shop gift - basically we buy each other a gift from a bootsale or charity shop or years ago it was the jumble sales lol - but these gifts normally end up being the best ones because we all t ry to get something awesome - my sister is a huge bon jovi fan so last year I found an old annual at a chairty shop with them in and then a slippery when wet album at a boot sale - got some cheap frames from ikea in the colour of her room - she absolutely loved it 😀

      Reply
    313. Stuart H says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      The annual Home Alone 1 and 2 watching

      Reply
    314. Emma Beckett says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:33 pm

      The Christmas dinner is my favourite tradition as we all make a special effort to sit around together.

      Reply
    315. Katie irving says

      November 12, 2016 at 8:40 pm

      My mum always put a christmas tree decoration in mine and my brothers stocking, so when we moved out we already had a lot of special decorations to start our own christmas trees off with. Iv started this with children too

      Reply
    316. Ellen Stafford says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:11 pm

      We always watch Santa Claus: The Movie on Christmas Eve. Reminds me so much of times with my Nan. I also love decorating the tree with the Christmas carols on.

      Reply
    317. Sara Goodman says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:22 pm

      Sad though it is, I love Christmas crackers.

      Thanks for a fabulous giveaway 🙂

      Reply
    318. Karen hutchinson says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      Opening one present on xmas eve - left by the secret elf

      Reply
    319. Saz Palmer says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      putting the mince pie, carrot and milk out for santa and his reindeer my older two loved it but they are too old now but my 6 and 4 yr olds are starting to realise what time of year it is xx

      Reply
    320. Sparklett21 says

      November 12, 2016 at 9:56 pm

      Meeting my friend for a Christmas Eve coffee & present exchange

      Reply
    321. Chevaune Stanley says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:10 pm

      Being together with my kids who have left home and I don't see as often as I like. Christmas dinner is just the best thing for me, the whole family together!

      Reply
    322. Sarah says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      I love making puddings on Stir up Sunday every year, and this year my eldest will be old enough to properly "help" with pouring in the ingredients and stirring up, and making a wish of course!
      I usually stir in a 10 pence piece, but it would be lovely to have a traditional 6 pence to cherish every year xx

      Reply
    323. Joanna Kasznicki says

      November 12, 2016 at 10:37 pm

      Letting my partner pop the star on top of the christmas tree.

      Reply
    324. Lorna-Jane Holland says

      November 12, 2016 at 11:16 pm

      Going for a long walk with the dog then playing board games together as a family on Christmas Eve x

      Reply
    325. Phill Worboys says

      November 12, 2016 at 11:19 pm

      Watching the Christmas film together whilst playing board games.

      Reply
    326. Jen Walshaw says

      November 14, 2016 at 12:34 am

      I LOVE how we both used our Grandparents pudding recipes, but they are so different. We had lots of fun making this year's Christmas Pudding. Now the boys want to see who will get the sixpence!

      Reply

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